Photo: Examiner.comA landscaper in New Britain, Connecticut, reportedly trashed a lawn with his pickup truck in alleged retaliation for being replaced.
According to New Britain Herald, the culprit is 22-year-old Ryan Ragalis, who is now facing charges of first-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving, operating with a suspended license, breach of peace, interfering with the police and attempted assault on a police officer.
A tenant of the home where the lawn was destroyed called the owners around 10:30 p.m. on Friday to tell them someone was driving a white truck around the yard, tearing up grass and hitting concrete pavers. Capt. Thomas Steck estimated the damage at about $5,000, the newspaper reported.
The owner came to investigate the damage on Saturday and later spotted the truck in Ragalis’ driveway. The police were called and it was determined that the truck had branches from the victim’s bushes still trapped in the undercarriage.
The New Britain Herald says that while the investigating officer was inspecting the vehicle, Ragalis emerged from the house and swore at the officer when asked for his vehicle registration. He also drove the truck toward the officer, requiring the officer to jump out of the way.
After being taken into custody, Ragalis admitted to having “too much to drink” the previous night and claimed he did not recall what happened.
This isn’t the first time Ragalis has tangled with the police. He was charged with first-degree larceny after failing to return a $40,000 Bobcat loader he had rented in 2013.
